Integrated blade assembly and identification circuit

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, or both; and blade circuitry having: one or more control buttons, one or more switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functions of the interchangeable tip.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to a debrider blade module, andmore specifically a debrider blade module with an integratedidentification circuit.

BACKGROUND

Generally, debriders include a handpiece and a cutting portion. Thehandpiece includes a motor that rotates one or more rotating parts inthe cutting portion. The cutting portion includes a cutting window wherethe cutting window exposes a cutting blade. The cutting blade is used toremove tissue, cartilage, bone, or a combination thereof. The cuttingblade during use may result in bleeding and the cutting blade mayinclude an energy source to perform electrosurgery. Typically, eachdebrider includes an integral tip, and during use a user selects adebrider based upon the intended use of the debrider such ascoagulation, suction, cutting, cauterization, or a combination thereof.Generally, each handpiece is only usable with one style of tip so that adifferent style tip cannot be installed in a handpiece and the debriderused for a different purpose or to perform a different function. Sometips may be used with multiple handpieces; however, some of thefunctionality may not work or may not work properly when installed in adifferent handpiece.

Further, most of the electrical components of a debrider are large(i.e., not conducive for placement in a handheld device) and/or fragilesuch that the components are located as far away from the operation siteas possible and/or the components are housed in a protective chamber sothat the components are too bulky to be located in the debrider.Moreover, these components when located in parts of the debrider may besubjected to contact with fluids which may cause a short and/or damagethe components so that one or more functions of the debrider may becompromised. Additionally, when one or more of the debrider parts arecleaned after use and the cleaning process may damage the electricalcomponents. For example, a typical method of cleaning is placing thedebrider components in an autoclave and heating the components for apredetermined amount of time and then placing the components in a fluidto rapidly cool the components. This rapid heating and rapid cooling maydamage the electrical components and thus these electrical componentsmay not be readily placed in parts of the debrider that may be cleaned.

Examples of some surgical instruments may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,810,809; 5,814,044; 5,904,681; 5,899,915; 68,074,386; 6,752,816;6,979,332; 7,237,990; and 7,674,263 all of which are incorporated byreference herein for all purposes. It would be attractive to haveinterchangeable tips that can be installed in a handpiece and all of thefunctionality of each tip works without any user input. It would beattractive to have an interchangeable tip that includes anidentification circuit in the interchangeable tip so that theinterchangeable tip communicates with the handpiece and adjoiningcircuitry so that the adjoining circuitry controls each interchangeabletip based upon the identification circuit. It would be attractive tohave a control switch in the interchangeable tip that controls one ormore functions of the interchangeable tip. What is needed is aninterchangeable tip that includes circuit elements that may be subjectedto fluids during debriding and the circuit elements function properlyand/or protect a user from shock due to any shorts caused by the fluid.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs byproviding: an interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade moduleincluding: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects,or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, orboth; and blade circuitry having one or more control buttons; one ormore switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functionsof the interchangeable tip.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings comprises: aninterchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: anenclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both theinterchangeable tip to power source, a signal source, or both; and bladecircuitry including an identification circuit; wherein the bladecircuitry provides a signal to a controller, control module, generator,or a combination thereof so that the controller, the control module, thegenerator, or a combination thereof determines one or more functions ofthe interchangeable tip, and wherein the stylet is free of electrodes.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings comprises: aninterchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including; aconnection enclosure and a control enclosure including two or more pins;wherein a signal across the two or more pins have a capacitance of zero.

Yet another possible embodiment of the teachings comprises: a methodcomprising: inserting an interchangeable tip of the teachings hereininto a handpiece; providing a signal to the handpiece and theinterchangeable tip; and detecting a capacitance generated by theinterchangeable tip in response to the step of providing the signal;wherein the step of detecting determines whether the interchangeable tipis configured to provide bipolar energy, monopolar energy, no power, ora combination thereof.

The teachings herein provide an interchangeable tip that can beinstalled in a handpiece and all of the functionality of each tip workswithout any user input. The teachings herein provide an interchangeabletip that includes an identification circuit in the interchangeable tipso that the interchangeable tip communicates with the handpiece andadjoining circuitry so that the adjoining circuitry control eachinterchangeable tip based upon the identification circuit. The teachingsherein provide a control switch in the interchangeable tip that controlsone or more functions of the interchangeable tip. The teachings hereinprovide an an interchangeable tip that includes circuit elements thatmay be subjected to fluids during debriding and the circuit elementsfunction properly and/or protect a user from shock due to any shortscaused by the fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a microdebrider including aninterchangeable tip;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one example of an interchangeable tip;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an explodedinterchangeable tip;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of an explodedinterchangeable tip;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a connection enclosure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable tip ofFIG. 2 along lines 6-6;

FIGS. 6B-6C illustrate cross sectional views of alternativeconfigurations of the interchangeable tip taught herein;

FIG. 7A1 illustrates a circuit diagram representing the configuration ofthe interchangeable tip of FIG. 6A when the control circuit is open;

FIG. 7A2 illustrates the circuit diagram of FIG. 7A1 when the circuit isclosed;

FIG. 7B illustrates a circuit diagram representing the configuration ofthe interchangeable tip of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7C illustrates a circuit diagram representing the configuration ofthe interchangeable tip of FIG. 6C; and

FIG. 7D illustrates a circuit diagram representing another possibleconfiguration of the interchangeable tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The teachings herein provide a debrider and preferably a microdebrider.The debrider generally includes a handpiece and a separable bladeassembly (i.e., an interchangeable tip). The handpiece includes anaperture that receives a portion of the blade assembly so that thehandpiece may drive the blade assembly during use. The handpiece mayinclude a motor and one or more gears that drive one or more rotarycutting tubes of the blade assembly (i.e., stylet). Other teachings ofthe handpiece may be gleaned from the teachings herein including thoseof paragraph Nos. 6-8, 26-45, 061-062, 065, and 70-72 and Figure Nos.1-3 of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/731,919 filed on Nov. 30,2012 teaching a handpiece and one or more connection portions fordriving the separable blade assembly, the teachings of which areexpressly incorporated by reference herein regarding the handpiece andphysical connection and electrical connection with the interchangeabletube and its various components. The handpiece and blade assembly may beseparable so that the handpiece, the blade assembly, or both may becleaned, disposed, or both after use.

Preferably, the blade assembly (e.g., an interchangeable tip) may bedisposable. The blade assembly includes a tip and a mechanicalenclosure. The blade assembly includes a stylet (i.e., one or moretubes). For example, the interchangeable tip may include an inner tube,and intermediate tube, an outer tube, or a combination thereof. Theblade assembly may include one or more tubes and preferably two or moretubes. The one or more tubes may be made of any biocompatible material.The one or more tubes may be made of a material that may be used toperform surgery. The one or more tubes may be made of any material thatis sufficiently rigid to perform surgery; to be pushed, pulled, angled,or a combination thereof without bending, breaking; or both. The one ormore tubes may be made of a material that conducts electricity. The oneor more tubes may be made of a polymer, metal, a natural material, asynthetic material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the one ormore tips are made of stainless steel or a surgical steel. Preferably,the stylet may include at least an outer tube and an inner tube. Thestylet may include an outer tube, an intermediate tube at leastpartially disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube at leastpartially disposed within the intermediate tube and the outer tube. Eachof the two or more tubes may be connected. Preferably, each of the twoor more tubes are axially independent of each other so that one or moreof the tubes may rotate without rotating the other tubes. For example,an inner tube, an intermediate tube, or both may rotate inside of theouter tube. The two or more tubes may be rotated relative to each otherand the rotation of the tubes may be monitored by a sensor in the bladeassembly, the handpiece, or both by two or more transmitters, magnets,an encapsulation connector, or a combination thereof located in theblade module (i.e., mechanical enclosure) of the blade assembly, thehandpiece, or both. Other teachings regarding the encapsulationconnector, the two or more transmitters, the magnetic communication, ora combination thereof may be gleaned from the teachings herein,including those of Paragraph Nos. 008-0014 and 0035-0055; and FigureNos. 2-14 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/251,493, filed on Oct.3, 2011, incorporated by reference herein for all purposes regarding theencapsulation connector, the two or more transmitters, the magneticcommunication, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, other teachingsregarding rotating one or more of the tubes relative to each other maybe gleaned from the teachings herein, including those of Paragraph Nos.004-005, 0012-0038 and FIGS. 1A-4C of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/796,412, filed on Mar. 12, 2013, incorporated by reference herein forall purposes regarding a lock selector, bias device, and an actuationselector.

The one or more tubes may be straight, angled, bent, curved,flex-jointed (e.g., if the outer tube is bent then inner tube may beflexible to spin), or a combination thereof. The one or more tubes mayform one or more angles and the one or more angles may be any angle orcombination of angles, include an angled portion, or both. The angledportion may be a rigid bend, an arcuate bend, a sweeping curve, or acombination thereof. The one or more tubes may extend from a blademodule that includes a mechanical enclosure and form an angle so thatthe one or more tubes may be used to perform a surgical procedure or beused in a predetermined location.

The blade module may be any device that: houses one or more moving partsof the disposable blade, a portion one or more of the one or more bladesextends through, or a combination thereof. The blade module may includea fixed portion that the user grips, a rotatable portion, or both. Theblade module may include a mechanical enclosure (i.e., an enclosure)that houses one or more moving parts, switches, controls, user inputs,circuit boards, circuit board components, or a combination thereof. Theenclosure may be fixed relative to the nosecone, a collet, thehandpiece, or a combination thereof. The enclosure may include one ormore functional buttons. Preferably, the enclosure includes at least acontrol enclosure and a connection enclosure that each form a portion ofthe enclosure. The enclosure may include a seat that forms a movableconnection, a pivotable connection, or both with a lock lever so thatthe lock lever may be moved between a locked position and an unlockedposition. Other teachings regarding the lock lever, components moved bythe lock lever (e.g., locking spline), a collet, nosecone, internalgearing (e.g., pinion gears or nosepiece gears), or a combinationthereof may be gleaned from the teachings herein, including those ofParagraph Nos. 005-007 and 0029-0054; and Figure Nos. 1-14 and relateddescription in paragraph Nos. 0055-0070 of U.S. Patent Application Ser.No. 61/769,480, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, incorporated by reference hereinfor all purposes regarding a lock lever, components moved by the locklever, the collet, the nosecone, and the internal gearing. Preferably,the lock lever is movably connected to the connection enclosure.

The connection enclosure may be any part of the interchangeable tip thatconnects to a power source so that power is supplied to theinterchangeable tip. The connection enclosure may be water resistant,may protect the circuitry from contact with a fluid, or both. Theconnection enclosure may be sufficiently sealed so that the connectionenclosure isolates one more devices used to transmit a signal, transmitpower, one or more electrical circuits, or a combination thereof in thepresence of a fluid so that a short is prevented and/or substantiallyreduced. The connection enclosure may directly connect to the powersource. Preferably, the connection enclosure directly connects to thehandpiece and power is supplied to the interchangeable tip through thehandpiece. The connection enclosure may be any part of theinterchangeable tip that forms a connection and assists in providingcontrol signals between the interchangeable tip and the handpiece, agenerator, a control module, or a combination thereof. The connectionenclosure may include one or more plugs that electrically connect theinterchangeable tip to a handpiece, a power source, or both. Preferably,the one or more plugs include one or more connection pins so that power,signals (e.g., control signals, electrical signals, the like, or acombination thereof), or both are communicated between one or morecomponents that are in electrical communication, signal communication,or both with the interchangeable tip.

Each plug may include any number of pins so that the interchangeable tipperforms a desired function, provides communication with an adjacentcomponent (e.g., handpiece, generator, control module, or a combinationthereof), is free of user input to configure one or more of the desiredfunctions, or a combination thereof. For example, upon a user placing aninterchangeable tip into a handpiece the generator, controller, controlmodule, or a combination thereof may automatically use the detectioncircuit to detect the interchangeable tip. Each plug may include one ormore pins, two or more pins, or three or more pins. Each plug mayinclude 5 or less pins or 4 or less pins. One or more of the plugs maybe free of a pin. One or more of the plugs may be free of a pin so thatthe interchangeable tip may be free of power, free of signals, or both.Preferably, each of the pins are electrically segregated. For example,the plug may consist of three discrete plug portions and two of the plugportions may include a pin and one of the plug portions may be free of apin. The plug may include discrete pockets for housing each of the pins.The plug may be a recess and may receive a portion of an adjacentcomponent such as the handpiece. Preferably, the plug is a projectionand extends into an adjacent component so that an electrical connection,a signal connection, or both is formed inside of an adjacent component(e.g., a handpiece). More preferably, the plug may be configured toprotect the one or more pins from a fluid. A connection formed betweenthe plug and an adjacent handpiece may be sufficiently sealed so thatthe pins, wires, or both extending between the plug and the handpieceare isolated so that the connection prevents energy from beingtransferred to a patient, a user, or both. The plug may assist inaligning the interchangeable tip when attaching the interchangeable tipto an adjacent component such as a handpiece. The plug may have anyshape and size so that the plug assists in forming an electricalconnection, a signal connection, a connection to an adjacent component,or a combination thereof. The plug may be symmetrical, asymmetrical,oval, round, include a lip, include a raised portion, or a combinationthereof. The one or more pins may extend from the plug to an internalpocket in the connection enclosure.

The internal pocket may be any part of the connection enclosure thathouses the one or more pins; assists in connecting the one or more pinsto a connector; providing power, providing signals, or both to theinterchangeable handpiece; or a combination thereof. Preferably, theinternal pocket may be sized and shaped so that the connection pinsalign with an adjacent component and are in communication with theadjacent component. The internal pocket may have a shape thatsubstantially mirrors the shape of a connector so that the connector issubstantially self-aligned within the pocket, substantially self-alignedwith the pins, or both. The internal pocket may assist in orienting theconnection enclosure with the interchangeable tip during assembly. Theinternal pocket may be located proximate to one or more connectionsupports that assist in aligning the connector with the internal pocket,aligning the connection enclosure with the interchangeable tip, aligningthe connection enclosure with the control enclosure, or a combinationthereof.

The one or more connection supports may extend from the connector, theconnection enclosure, the interchangeable tip, the control enclosure, ora combination thereof into a juxtaposed recess in the opposing componentto assist in forming a fixed connection between the two adjacentcomponents. Preferably, the connection enclosure may include two or moreconnection supports that extend into a recess in the interchangeable tipso that the connection enclosure aligns with the interchangeable tip andso that the connector is aligned with the one or more pins. Morepreferably, the connection enclosure includes one or more connectionsupports for connecting to a connector and one or more connectionsupports for connecting to a control enclosure, or vice versa. Theconnection enclosure may include one or more recesses, one or moreconnection supports, or a combination of both on each side for forming afixed connection with a control enclosure, which may include one or moreopposing recesses, one or more opposing control supports, or acombination of both so that a connection is formed.

The control enclosure may be any component that allows a user to operateone or more functions of the interchangeable tip. Preferably, thecontrol enclosure includes one or more control buttons and/or one ormore switches, provides access to one or more buttons and/or one or moreswitches, or both that control one or more of the functions discussedherein. The control enclosure may enclose and protect all or a portionof a circuit, internal components, switches, or a combination thereof.The connection enclosure may be sufficiently sealed so that theconnection enclosure isolates one more devices used to transmit asignal, transmit power, one or more electrical circuits, or acombination thereof in the presence of a fluid so that a short isprevented and/or substantially reduced. Preferably, the controlenclosure may protect all or a portion of a circuit, internalcomponents, one or more switches, or a combination thereof, whileallowing a user to actuate the one or more switches so that one or morefunctions may be operated. For example, the control enclosure mayinclude a flexible polymeric portion that is resistant to penetration ofa fluid. All or a portion of the control enclosure may be malleable,compressible, movable, or a combination thereof so that one or morecontrol buttons may be actuated and protected by the control enclosure.Preferably, the control enclosure covers and protects blade circuitrywhile allowing a user to actuate one or more control buttons on theblade circuitry.

The blade circuitry may be any circuitry within the interchangeable tipthat transmits to and/or accepts signals, power, or both from thehandpiece, a generator, a control module, or a combination thereof. Theblade circuitry may be connected to, run, control, or a combinationthereof one or more functions of the interchangeable tip. The bladecircuitry may transmit a signal to a control module, the handpiece, agenerator, or a combination thereof indicating the type ofinterchangeable tip connected, the functionality of the interchangeabletip, or both. The blade circuitry may include one or more controlbuttons, one or more pins, one or more printed circuit boards, one ormore sockets, one or more capacitors, or a combination thereof.Preferably, the blade circuitry includes a printed circuit board forconnecting one or more functional components together, for controllingone or more functional components, for assisting in identifying thefunction of the interchangeable tip, or a combination thereof.

The printed circuit board may be any component that may electricallyconnect, signally connect, or both, two or more adjacent functionalcomponents so that during operation the functional components mayperform one or more predetermined functions. For example, the printedcircuit board may receive and transmit signals to and from thehandplece, the generator, or both (i.e., be signally connected). Inanother example, the printed circuit board may receive and transmitpower to and from the handpiece, the generator, or both (i.e., beelectrically connected). The printed circuit board may be any devicethat may be used to identify the type of circuit, the type ofinterchangeable tip, or both. The printed circuit board may include, beconnected to, form an intermediary connection piece, or a combinationthereof so that the interchangeable tip may perform one or more of thefunctions discussed herein. For example, the printed circuit board mayform one polarity of a connection and another component may form theother polarity of the connection so that when both polarities areactivated power is supplied. Preferably, the printed circuit board issufficiently small so that the printed circuit board is wholly housedwithin the blade module. More preferably, the printed circuit board issufficiently small so that the printed circuit board fits within thecontrol enclosure. The printed circuit board may be sufficiently largeso that the printed circuit board includes one or more control buttons,one or more capacitors, one or more sockets, or a combination thereof.Preferably, the printed circuit board is sufficiently large so that oneor more functional components are connected to the printed circuit boardand operate one or more of the functions discussed herein. The printedcircuit board may include one or more board components. For example, aboard component may be one or capacitors, diodes, resistors, zenordiodes, an amplifier, a switch, or a combination thereof. Preferably, atleast one control button is electrically connected to and/or located onthe printed circuit board,

The one or more control button may be any control button that controlsone or more functions of the interchangeable tip. The one or morecontrol buttons may be a switch. The one or more control buttons may beany control button that may be actuated, moved, signalingly operated, ora combination thereof by a user. The one or more control buttons may beconnected to the printed circuit board and extend towards and/or intocontact with a portion of the control enclosure so that during use auser can actuate the one more control buttons. The one or more controlbuttons when actuated may operate one or more functions of theinterchangeable tip. Preferably, the one or more control buttons whenactuated may close a circuit and allow monopolar energy and/or bipolarenergy to pass through the stylet. The one or more control buttons maybe used to control rotation of the inner tube, direction of rotation;type of rotation (i.e., oscillation, forward rotation, reverse rotation,or a combination thereof); or a combination thereof. Power, electricalsignals, or both may be supplied to and/or from the control buttons viaone or more pins.

The one or more pins may be any pin that assists in forming aconnection. Each of the one or more pins may be an input. Each systemmay have one or more inputs, preferably two or more inputs, or eventhree or more inputs. The one or more pins may be a combination of fixedpins and spring pins. Preferably, at least some of the one or more pinsmay be spring pins. More preferably, the pins used to form a connectionwith one or more movable parts may be spring pins. The one or morespring pins may be any pin that supplies power, an electrical signal, acontrol signal, or a combination thereof to and/or from the blademodule. The spring pin may be any pin that forms an electricalconnection, a signal connection, or both with a moving part, between twomoving parts, or both. The spring pin may include one or more movableparts. The one or more movable parts may move so that an electricalconnection, a signal connection, or both are maintained as the springpins moves, one or more of the tubes move (i.e., outer tube,intermediate tube, inner tube, or a combination thereof), or both. Thespring pins may include a biasing member so that the spring pins mayextend when not contacted and retract when contacted. The bias membermay extend the spring pin with sufficient force so that the spring pinmaintains a constant contact with an adjacent part (e.g., one or more ofthe tubes). The bias member may extend the spring pin so that the springpin contacts an outer diameter of one or more of the tubes and maintainscontact even if there is a change in diameter. Preferably, the biasmember has sufficient strength and the spring pin has a sufficientlength so that the bias member maintains each of the spring pinsrespectively in constant contact with the outer tube, the intermediatetube, or both during use. The one or more spring pins may be connectedto a power source, a control signal, or both through one or moreadjacent sockets.

The one or more sockets may be any device that connects a pin, a wire,an energy source, a signal source, or a combination thereof to a printedcircuit board, a connector, the blade module, or a combination thereof.The one or more sockets may be any device that forms a fixed connectionso that power, signals, or both may pass into, out of, through, or acombination thereof the blade module. The one or more sockets may be anydevice that forms a sealed connection with one or more wires, one ormore pins, one or more connectors, one or more devices used to transmitpower and/or a signal, or a combination thereof. The one or more socketsmay be constructed so that the sockets preventing shorting of theelectrical circuits, electrical connections, or both in the presence offluids. The sockets may be located in and/or on any device that forms anelectrical connection, a signal connection, or both. One or more socketsmay be located on and/or within a printed circuit board, a connector, orboth. The one or more sockets may provide a fixed connection with a pin,a wire, an energy source, a signal source, or a combination thereof sothat the signal is maintained during use. Preferably, at least onesocket is located on the printed circuit board and at least one socketis located in the connector. More preferably, two connectors are locatedon the printed circuit board opposite one or more capacitors.

The one or more capacitors may be any capacitor that provides acapacitance through the blade module. The capacitors may be anycapacitor that is sufficiently large so that the capacitance of thecapacitor may be measured in the handpiece, a generator, a controlmodule, or a combination thereof. The capacitor may be located at anylocation within the circuitry of the blade module so that thecapacitance of the capacitors, a shift in capacitance, or both may bemeasured in the handpiece, at a generator, at a control module, or acombination thereof. The size, capacitance, or both of each capacitormay vary from application to application. Preferably, each type ofinterchangeable tip (e.g., each different functionality of a tip) has adifferent circuit capacitance that may be measured by the generator,handpiece, control module, or a combination thereof. For example, thecapacitors used may range from 5 nF to 100 nF, and each correspondingcapacitance may be correlated to one or more functions in a look uptable. The capacitors have a range beginning at about 1 pF or more,about 5 pF or more, about 10 pF or more, or about 15 pF or more. Thecapacitors may have a range ending at about 1 F or less, about 100 IpFor less, about 1 pF or less, or about 100 nF or less. The capacitors maybe sufficiently sized so that the handpiece, generator, control module,or a combination thereof may identify the different interchangeable tipsand respective functionality based only on the change in capacitancewhen a tip is connected, a circuit is electrically energized, signallyenergized, or a combination thereof. The difference in capacitance ofeach capacitor may be sufficiently identifiable so that the handpiece,generator, control module, or a combination thereof may reference therespective measured capacitance with a lookup table with repeatability,with precision, or both. The difference in capacitance used in eachcapacitor may be about 1 nF or more, about 5 nF or more, or about 10 nFor more. The difference in capacitance of each capacitor may be about1000 nF or less, about 500 nF or less, or about 100 nF or less.Preferably, the capacitors are located on the printed circuit board andelectrically connected to the handpiece, the generator, the controlmodule, or a combination thereof. Each circuit board may include atleast two capacitors. In one example, a capacitor may be electricallyconnected in a discrete control loop such as a first loop foridentification of the functions of a handpiece (i.e., identificationcapacitor) and a second capacitor (i.e., control capacitor) may beelectrically connected in a second control loop that is used to activateone or more of the functions of the handpiece. However, the system maybe completely free of capacitors for identification purposes and thusthe system may have a zero and/or near zero capacitance. For example,two or more inputs, pins, or both may be shunted so that they aredirectly connected, forming an identification circuit without anycapacitors. In another example, the system may be free of a controlcapacitor and only include an identification capacitor.

The one or more identification capacitors may be any capacitor that hasa capacitance that correlates to a predetermined value in a look uptable so that the measured capacitance may be used to determine thefunctions that the interchangeable tip may perform, if a tip is present,or both. The one or more identification capacitors may be sufficientlylarge that the capacitance may be used to identify the functions of aprovided interchangeable tip. The one or more identification capacitorsmay be located anywhere along the circuit board so that one or moresignals may be passed through the identification capacitor to identifythe type of interchangeable tip installed. The one or moreidentification capacitors may be in a loop in the circuit that may onlyprovide a signal back to a generator, a control module, a handpiece, ora combination thereof so that the type of interchangeable tip maybeidentified. The system may include a plurality of identificationcapacitors. Preferably, the system includes one identificationcapacitor. The one or more identification capacitors may be located inparallel, in series, or both with one or more control capacitors.

The control capacitor may be any capacitor that provides a capacitanceto the system when one or more switches, one or more control buttons, orboth are actuated. For example, the system may have a first capacitanceand when a switch is actuated that includes the control capacitor thecapacitance measured may shift to a second capacitance. The controlcapacitor may change the capacitance of the system when a control loopcontaining the control capacitor is completed (e.g., a circuit is closedso that the circuit is powered). The control capacitor may provide acapacitance to the system so that the system can determine if a readingis a true reading or a false reading. The control capacitor may providea capacitance to the system and/or change the capacitance of the systemonly if the switch, control button, or both is actuacted and a circuitis complete. The control capacitor may assist the generator incontrolling one or more functions of the debrider so that the one ormore functions are only activated upon a command by a user and not by ashort. The control capacitor may be electrically connected, signallyconnected, or both so that if a portion of the interchangeable tipshorts, the detection circuit reads the switch as being open, shorted,broken, or a combination thereof, but a shift in capacitance is notmeasured so the system does not activate the function of the shortedswitch. The one or more switches may not be activated when there is ashort in the printed circuit board, a switch, or both. Preferably, theone more switches may not activate when a short, an incorrect impedance,an incorrect capacitance, or a combination thereof are presented. Thecontrol capacitor may be configured within the circuit so that thecontrol capacitor only changes the capacitance of the system when theswitch, control button, or both are actuated (i.e., closed). The controlcapacitors may be electrically connected, signally connected, or both tothe handpiece, the generator, the control module, or a combinationthereof through one or more connectors so that the capacitance of thesystem is intermittently monitored and/or continuously monitored.

The one or more connectors may be any device that receives one or morepins and electrically connects, signally connects, or both the pins toan adjacent component. The one or more connectors may be any device thatassists in providing an electrical connection, a signal connection, orboth between one or more pins and one or more tubes, one or more printedcircuit boards, or both. Preferably, the one or more connectors assistin creating a connection with one or more tubes having varying diametersso that one or more functions of the device may be used. The one or moreconnectors may include one or more spring pins, one or more sockets, oneor more pins, one or more connector supports, or a combination thereofso that the connector assists in creating one or more electricalconnections, one or more signal connections, or both. The one or moreconnectors may form an intermediary between two electrical points, twosignal points, or both. The connector may directly form an electricalconnection, a signal connection, or both with an intermediate tube, aninner tube, or both. The connector may indirectly form an electricalconnection, a signal connection, or both with the outer tube, theintermediate tube, or both. The connector may make one or moreconnections with the printed circuit board so that power is supplied tothe printed circuit board. The connector may electrically isolate two ormore electrical inputs, signal inputs, or both. The connector may assistin completing a circuit so that one or more functions of theinterchangeable tip may be employed. The one or more connectors may beconnected to and/or form all or a portion of one or more electrodes.

The one or more electrodes may be any power supply point that providespower to the stylet. Preferably, the one or more electrodes providepower to the stylet so that the stylet may provide a monopolar energysource or a bipolar energy source. For example, an electrode may becomprised of one or more pins, a connector, one or more wires, a printedcircuit board, and may provide power to one or more tubes of the styletso that one or more of the tubes are energized. The electrode may be anydevice that provides power directly and/or indirectly to the stylet. Theelectrode may be any device that provides power from a handpiece to astylet so that the stylet is energized. The electrode may be a wire thatextends from a printed circuit board to a tube of the stylet.Preferably, an electrode is not a connector that directly extendsbetween and electrically connects, signally connects, or both twoadjacent input pins from a handpiece. For example, a first pin and asecond pin may extend into the interchangeable tip and may be directlyconnected together so that a signal enters the tip via one pin and isimmediately directed out of the tip via the other pin. In anotherexample, two pins may be directly connected together via a shunt so thatthe connection is an identification circuit with a zero capacitance andthe circuit is free of an electrode. Two pins directly connectedtogether by a connector may form a circuit that is an identificationcircuit.

The circuit may be any circuit that controls one or more functions ofthe microdebrider. The circuit may be used to identify the functionalityof the interchangeable tip. For example, the circuit may be connected toa control module, a generator, or both that determines the functionalityof the interchangeable tip based on one or more measured conditions ofthe circuit. The circuit may be signally connected to one or morelook-up tables. The circuit may include one or more inputs. The one ormore inputs may be an applied signal, applied power, or both so that acircuit is created. The circuit may include one or more outputs. The oneor more outputs may be any portion of the circuit that returns a signal,returns power, powers a portion of the interchangeable tip, or acombination thereof. The one or more outputs preferably provide powerfrom one or more of the pins to one or more of the tubes of the stylet.The one or more outputs may provide power from the circuit to a pin, aspring pin, or both to one of the tubes of the stylet. One or more ofthe outputs may be shunted.

The open circuit may be any circuit that is electrically blocked,signally blocked, or both so that power, a signal, or both extending toone or more tubes of the stylet from one or more adjacent components,one or more circuits, or a both does not reach the stylet. The opencircuit may be any circuit that is terminated. The open circuit may be ablocked portion of the circuit. The open circuit may be an absence ofone or more pins, one or more spring pins, or both so that an electricalconnection, signal connection, or both is terminated. The open circuitmay end an identification circuit, a control circuit, or both. The opencircuit may terminate one or more identification portions and one ormore control portions of a circuit. Preferably, an identificationcircuit is not an open circuit. For example, an identification portion(i.e., identification circuit) may provide electrical feedback, signalfeedback, or both to a microprocessor, a generator, a controller, or acombination thereof so that the system identifies the functions of theinterchangeable tip and the control portion (i.e., control circuit) mayoperate the one or more functions.

The identification portion (hereinafter identification circuit) of thecircuit may be any portion that provides some feedback so that thefunctions of the interchangeable tip may be identified. Theidentification circuit may generate a signal that may be used toidentify the functions of the interchangeable tip, the type ofinterchangeable tip, the number of electrodes, or a combination thereof.The signal of the interchangeable tip may be any signal that may be usedto identify the functions of the interchangeable tip. The signals may beany signal that the controller, control module, generator, or acombination thereof may use to power and/or control one or morefunctions of the interchangeable tip during use. Preferably, the signalsare a shift in frequency caused by the identification circuit. Forexample, the signals may have a first frequency before a capacitor and asecond frequency after exiting the capacitor. This frequency may belisted in a look up table (e.g., capacitance as discussed herein mayrefer to a frequency change based on passing through a capacitor). Theidentification circuit may be a loop connected between an input and anoutput of the circuit. The identification circuit may include only acapacitor between the input and the output of the circuit. Theidentification circuit may include one or more circuit board components.The circuit board components may include one or capacitors, diodes,resistors, zenor diodes, an amplifier, or a combination thereof. Theidentification circuit may be free of one or more of one or capacitors,diodes, resistors, zenor diodes, an amplifier, or a combination thereof.The identification circuit may be free of a switch or a control button.The identification circuit may remain closed once the interchangeabletip is connected with a handpiece so that identification of the one ormore functions of the interchangeable tip may be measured. The one ormore identification circuits may be in parallel, in series, or both withthe one or more control circuits.

The one or more control portions (hereinafter control circuits) may beany circuit that controls one or more functions of the interchangeabletip. The one or more control circuits may be any circuit that may beopened and closed by a user so that one or more functions of theinterchangeable tip may be turned on and off. The control circuit may beany circuit that includes a switch, a control button, or both that opensand closes so that one or more functions of the interchangeable tip maybe turned on and off. The control circuit may include one or morecircuit board components. The circuit board components may be of acapacitor, diode, resistor, zenor diode, an amplifier, or a combinationthereof. The control circuit may be free of a capacitor, diode,resistor, zenor diode, an amplifier, or a combination thereof.Preferably, the control circuit includes a capacitor so that when theswitch, the control button, or both are actuated the capacitance of thesystem changes. A capacitor of a control circuit may vary based upon thefunction of a given control circuit and the capacitance may be measuredon a look up table so that the controller, the control module, thegenerator, or a combination thereof may verify the function beingrequested by actuation of the switch, the control button, or both. Thecontrol circuit may be electrically connected, signally connected, orboth to an identification circuit, one or more inputs, or both. The oneor more inputs may be any input that completes a circuit so that one ormore functionalities may be employed, one or more functionalities may beidentified, or both. Preferably, the control circuit includes one ormore switches.

The one or more switches may be any switch that may switch between anidentification circuit and an operation circuit. The one or moreswitches may activate a function. The one more switches may be a controlbutton as discussed herein. The one or more switches may be any switchthat closes a portion of the circuit creating a bypass, forming acircuit, or both. For example, when the switch is closed the signal, thepower, or both may bypass an identification portion of the circuit andsupply power, a signal, or both so that one or more functions of theinterchangeable tip may be employed. The one or more switches whenclosed may supply power to the system, may change the capacitance of thesystem, may send a signal to a generator, a control module, or both sothat one or more functions are powered.

The generator may be any device that is electrically connected, signallyconnected, or both to the interchangeable tip and assists in controllingone or more functions of the debrider, identifying one or more functionsof the debrider, or both. The generator may include one or more controlmodules, one or more controllers, or both that monitor an identificationcircuit, one or more switches, a handpiece, an interchangeable tip, or acombination thereof so that one or more functions may be recognized,controlled, powered, or a combination thereof. The generator, thecontroller, the control module, or a combination thereof may include oneor more algorithms that that continuously monitor, in real time, changesin the modes of operation (e.g., presence of an interchangeable tip;removable of an interchangeable tip; activation of monopolar energy;bipolar energy, or both; deactivation of monopolar energy, bipolarenergy, or both; or a combination thereof). The algorithms may includeone or more look up tables. The generator may be any device thatintermittently monitors, continuously monitors, or both signalmeasurements, capacitance, or both of the system, the debrider, theinterchangeable tip, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the generatorcontinuously monitors signal measurements, capacitance, or both of theinterchangeable tip so that the generator can adjust its settings tothose of the interchangeable tip, provide a user with control optionsfor the interchangeable tip, configure the system to run one or morefunctions of the interchangeable tip, or a combination thereof. Thegenerator may include one or more detection circuits.

The one or more detection circuits may be any circuit that detects asignal in the interchangeable tip. Preferably, the one or more detectioncircuits may be any circuit that detects a capacitance of theinterchangeable tip to ascertain the functionality of theinterchangeable tip, the use of the interchangeable tip, the componentryof the interchangeable tip, or a combination thereof. The detectioncircuit may include one or more control modules, one or morecontrollers, one or more microprocessors, or a combination thereof thatmonitor the signals of the interchangeable tip. The one or moredetection circuits may include one or more RF generators.

The one or more RF generators may be any device that may provide power,a signal, or both to one or more circuits, one or more legs of acircuit, or a combination thereof. The one or more RF generators mayprovide a signal to the circuit so that the detection circuit maymonitor the circuit for a capacitance, a change in capacitance, a shiftin frequency, a change in impedance, or a combination thereof. The oneor more RF generators may provide power to the circuit so that the tipmay provide bipolar energy, provide monopolar energy, rotate,reciprocate, oscillate, or a combination thereof. The RF generator mayprovide power simultaneously to two legs; to one leg; to one leg andpower a return lead; through one leg and provide power, a signal, orboth through an identification circuit; to one leg and provide power, asignal, or both through a shunt; or a combination thereof. A signal,power, or both from the RF generator may go through the identificationcircuit, the control circuit, or both and be monitored by the generator,controller, control module, or a combination thereof and compared topredetermined values in one or more look up tables.

One or more look up tables may be located within the detection circuit,within the generator, within a control module of the detection circuit,within a controller in the detection circuit, or a combination thereof.Preferably, upon the detection circuit detecting a signal from theinterchangeable tip the detection circuit compares the signalmeasurement (e.g., capacitance) to a list of signal measurements in thelook up table and determines the functions of tip installed, the type oftip installed, or both. After detection of the interchangeable tip andcomparing the signal measurements to the look up table the detectioncircuit may monitor the signals for the status of the one or moreswitches based upon the signal measurements, changes in the signalmeasurements, or a combination of both. The generator may be fullyand/or partially located in the handpiece, may be a discrete piece fullyand/or partially located outside of the handpiece, or a combination ofboth. The generator may power the interchangeable tip according to afunction energized by a user, a function selected by a user, anidentified function of the interchangeable tip, or a combinationthereof. Preferably, the generator may power one or more desiredfunctions

The functions of the interchangeable tip may be any function selected bya user. The functions of the interchangeable tip may be any functionthat assists a user in performing a procedure. The functions may beapplying monopolar energy, bipolar energy, non-energized, forwardrotation, reverse rotation, oscillating rotation (e.g., forward and thenreverse and vice versa), reciprocating (i.e., distal and then proximaland vice versa) high speed rotation, low speed rotation, non-rotational,or a combination thereof. Preferably, at least one of the functions ofthe interchangeable tip is rotating the inner tube (i.e., forward,reverse, or oscillating). Thus, in one example, the system includes onesignal measurement, one capacitance, or both for a forward rotatinginterchangeable tip, a second signal measurement, a second capacitance,or both for a reverse rotating interchangeable tip, and a third signalmeasurement, a third capacitance, or both for an oscillation rotatinginterchangeable tip. In another example, a low speed forward rotatinginterchangeable tip with monopolar energy capabilities will have adifferent signal measurement, different capacitance, or both then a highspeed oscillating bipolar energy interchangeable tip and these valueswill be listed in a look up table so that the generator, control module,controller, or a combination thereof may identify the specific functionsof a given interchangeable tip and power the tip accordingly.

The look up table may be any table that lists all of the variousfunctions of the interchangeable tip and a corresponding capacitance,signal measurement, or both of the various interchangeable tips. Thelook up table may list each of the various functions of theinterchangeable tip compared to a signal measurement so that based upona signal measurement the functions of a particular tip are known.Preferably, the look-up table includes each combination of functionswith a corresponding capacitance so that upon installation of aninterchangeable tip the generator, the control module, the controller,or a combination thereof may determine all of the capabilities of theinterchangeable tip. The look up table may provide the status of one ormore switches based upon a comparison of a signal measurement, a changein signal measurement, or a combination of both. For example, when aninterchangeable tip is installed the signal measurement may be a firstcapacitance (e.g., frequency changed caused by a capacitor) and when theswitch is actuated the capacitance may increase to a second capacitanceindicated that the switch was closed (e.g., a capacitive value of firstcapacitor was added to a capacitive value of a second capacitor when aswitch is closed arriving at the second capacitance). The generator,control module, controller, or a combination thereof may configure,reconfigure, set up, or a combination thereof the system based upon thedetermined functions of each interchangeable tip. The generatoractivates one or more functions of the debrider based upon a type of tipfrom a look up table. The generator may energize and/or control one ormore predetermined functions that are loaded into a user interface inthe generator so that a predetermined procedure may be produced.

The circuit as discussed herein may be used with a method of detectingan interchangeable tip, identifying a type of interchangeable tip, thefunction of an interchangeable tip, or a combination thereof. The methodsteps may be performed in virtually any order or the order discussedherein. The RF generator may provide a signal, power, or both to one ormore circuits. The signal, power or both may pass through anidentification circuit, a shunt, a control circuit, or a combinationthereof. The controller, the microprocessor, the generator, or acombination thereof may monitor the signals, the power, or both in realtime. The controller, the microprocessor, the generator, or acombination thereof may compare the signal, the power, or both to one ormore predetermined values in a look up table. The controller, themicroprocessor, the generator, or a combination thereof may monitor thesystem, the one or more circuits or both for a shift in capacitance, ashift in impedance, or both and compare the shift to a look up table.The controller, the microprocessor, the generator, or a combinationthereof may provide a signal to the RF generator to provide power, asignal, or both to no legs of the circuit, one leg of the circuit, bothlegs of the circuit, one leg of the circuit and a return lead, or acombination thereof. The controller, the microprocessor, the generator,or a combination thereof may monitor in real time for a first shift infrequency, a second shift in frequency, a third shift in frequency, or acombination thereof. For example, a first shift in frequency mayrepresent a tip being installed, a second shift in frequency mayrepresent a switch being activated, a third shift in frequency mayrepresent a switch being closed, a fourth shift in frequency mayrepresent removal of the tip.

FIG. 1 illustrates a microdebrider 2 including a handpiece 4, a tubeset6, and an interchangeable tip 10 of the teachings herein. Theinterchangeable tip 10 includes a nose cone 14 having a lockingmechanism 12 which prevents rotation of a portion of the stylet 16. Thenose cone 14 extends beyond the microdebrider when the interchangeabletip 10 is connected to the microdebrider 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one example of an interchangeable tip10 of the teachings herein. The interchangeable tip 10 includes a stylet16 extending from the nosecone 14 which a user may use to rotate thestylet 16. A blade module 18 having an enclosure 30 is located behindthe nose cone 14. The enclosure 30 includes a control enclosure 32 and aconnection enclosure 34. A rear portion of the interchangeable tip 10has a collet 80, an inner tube 82, and blade module 18, and at least aportion of each extend into the handpiece 4 (not shown).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of one interchangeable tip 10 taughtherein. The interchangeable tip 10 includes a forward portion includinga stylet 16 extending from a nose cone 14. An enclosure includes acontrol enclosure 32 and a connection enclosure 34 which enclose bladecircuitry 40 for the interchangeable tip 10. The blade circuitry 40includes a control button 42, a spring pin 448, and capacitors 50mounted on a printed circuit board 46. The connection enclosure 34houses a connector 60 having a spring pin 44C and wires 72 that extendaround the collet 80 and connect to the sockets 48. The rear portion ofthe interchangeable tip 10 includes a collet 80 with an inner tube 82removed from the outer tube 84.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective exploded view of the bladecircuitry 40. The blade circuitry 40 as illustrated includes a printedcircuit board 46 and two sockets 48. The printed circuit board 46 isfree of spring pins. A connector 60 having wires 72 that extend around acollet 80 into sockets 48 of the printed circuit board 46 so that theprinted circuit board 46 and connector 60 are electrically connected. Asillustrated, the connector 60 is free of a spring pin.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of the connector 60 of FIG. 3. Theconnector 60 is housed in and connected to the connection enclosure 34by connector supports 68. The connector 60 includes two sockets 48. Theconnection enclosure 34, as illustrated, includes a left connection pin62B, a middle connection pin 648, and a right connection pin 668. Theleft connection pin 62B, right connection pin 648, and right connectionpin 668 are connected to a left control pin 62A, a middle control pin64A, and a right connection pin 66A respectively through the connector60. The left control pin 62A, middle control pin 64A, and right controlpin 66A provide power from the handpiece 4 (not shown) of themicrodebrider 2 (not shown) to the stylet 16 (not shown). The leftcontrol pin 62A and right control pin 66A are connected to the connector60 via the sockets 48 in the connector 60. The middle control pin 64A isa spring pin 44C.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable tip 10of FIG. 2. The control enclosure 32 houses blade circuitry 40. The bladecircuitry 40 includes a control button 42 connected to a printed circuitboard 46. A spring pin 448 extends from the printed circuit board 46 andinto contact with the outer tube 84. A capacitor 50 is connected to theprinted circuit board 46. An inner tube 82 extends through anintermediate tube 86 and both the inner tube 82 and the intermediatetube 86 extend through the outer tube 84. A connection enclosure 34 islocated below the connection enclosure 32. The connection enclosure 34includes a connector 60 with a spring pin 44C extending from theconnector 60 into contact with the intermediate tube 86 so that theinterchangeable tip 10 is used to supply bipolar energy.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a possible interchangeabletip 10 for supplying monopolar energy. The interchangeable tip 10includes an open circuit 70 that prevents power from passing from athird input pin 126 to the inner tube 82 extending through the outertube 83 so that power is only supplied to the outer tube 84 via a springpin 448 extending from the printed circuit board 46, which includes acapacitor 50. FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a possibleinterchangeable tip 10 that is nonpolar. The interchangeable tip 10includes an open circuit 70 in the control enclosure 32 and in theconnection enclosure 34 so that no power is supplied to the inner tube82 or the outer tube 84. The control enclosure 32 is free of a printedcircuit board with a capacitor so that the interchangeable tip 10 has azero capacitance.

FIGS. 7A1 and 7A2 illustrate a circuit 100. The circuit 100 is completewhen the interchangeable tip 10 is connected to the handpiece 4 and thegenerator 8. The handpiece 10 includes an identification circuit 150 anda control circuit 160. The identification circuit 150 includes acapacitor 50(I) that generates a signal capacitance for identificationand the outer tube 84 for providing power to a stylet (not shown). Thecontrol circuit 160 includes a capacitor 50(R) and a switch 120. Whenthe switch 120 is open 120A (FIG. 8A1) the control circuit 160 does notprovide power and when the switch is closed 120B (FIG. 8A2) power flowsthrough the control circuit to the outer tube 84 and to the stylet (notshown). Power and signals are provided into the interchangeable tip 10,the control circuit 160, and identification circuit 150 from thehandpiece 4 through the first input pin 122 second input pin 124. Thecontrol circuit 160 and identification circuit 150 are connected to adetection circuit 170 that includes a control module 172 and an RFgenerator 174. The handpiece 4 includes a third input pin 126 connectedto the intermediate tube 86. When the switch 120 is moved from 120A to1208 power travels through the outer tube 84 and the intermediate tube86 so that the stylet produces bipolar energy. As illustrated, a secondswitch 120 is connected to the generator 8 for controlling a differentfunction than the switch 120 on the interchangeable tip 10.

FIG. 7B illustrates a circuit 100. The circuit 100 is complete when theinterchangeable tip 10 is connected to the handpiece 4 and the generator8. The handpiece 10 includes an identification circuit 150 and a controlcircuit 160. The identification circuit 150 includes a capacitor 50(I)that generates a signal capacitance for identification and providespower to the outer tube 84. The control circuit 160 includes a capacitor50(R) and a switch 120. When the switch 120 is open 120A the controlcircuit 160 does not provide power and when the switch is closed powerflows through the control circuit 160 to the outer tube 84 and to thestylet (not shown). Power and signals are provided into theinterchangeable tip 10, the control circuit 160, and identificationcircuit 150 from the handpiece 4 through the first input pin 122 secondinput pin 124. The control circuit 160 and identification circuit 150are connected to a detection circuit 170 that includes a control module172 and an RF generator 174. A return electrode 140 is connected to thegenerator 8 so that a circuit is complete between the return electrode140 and the first output 130 for supplying monopolar energy. Thehandpiece 4 includes a third input pin 126 with an open circuited 70 sothat no power flows to the inner tube 82. As illustrated, a secondswitch 120 is connected to the generator 8 for controlling a differentfunction than the switch 120 on the interchangeable tip 10.

FIG. 7C illustrates a circuit 100. The circuit is complete when theinterchangeable tip 10 is connected to the handpiece 4 and the generator8. The handpiece 10 includes an Identification circuit 150 and is freeof a control circuit. The identification circuit includes a capacitor50(I) so that the function of the interchangeable tip 10 can beidentified by the detection circuit 170. An open circuit 70 is locatedbetween the identification circuit 150 and the outer tube 84 so thatpower does not flow from the identification circuit 150 to the outertube 84. The identification circuit 150 is connected to the detectioncircuit 170 by a first input pin 122 and a second input pin 124. Thedetection circuit 170 includes a control module 172 and an RF generator174 for providing signals and/or power through the circuit 100. A thirdinput pin 126 is connected to the generator 8 and has an open circuit 70so that power does not flow from the third input pin 126 to the innertube 82. A second switch 120 is connected to is connected to thegenerator 8 for controlling a function.

FIG. 7D illustrates a circuit 100. The circuit is complete when theinterchangeable tip 10 is connected to the handpiece 4 and the generator8. A first input pin 122 and a second input pin 124 are electricallyconnected and signally connected to the interchangeable tip 10 and areconnected together by a shunt 74 so that an identification circuit 150is formed and power does not flow to the outer tube 84. Theidentification circuit 150 is connected to a detection circuit 170 thatincludes a control module 172 and an RF generator 174. The generator 8is connected to a switch 120 for controlling a function of theinterchangeable tip 10. A third input pin 126 is connected to theinterchangeable tip 10 and includes an open circuit 70 so that power isnot supplied to the inner tube 82.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1) An interchangeable tip comprising: a. a stylet; b. a blade moduleincluding: i. an enclosure that electrically connects, signallyconnects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signalsource, or both; and ii. blade circuitry having:
 1. one or more switchesfor controlling operation of one or more functions of theinterchangeable tip; wherein the interchangeable tip is connectable toand separable from a handpiece. 2) (canceled) 3) (canceled) 4)(canceled) 5) The interchangeable tip of claim 1, wherein the bladecircuitry includes a control circuit that controls one or more functionsof the interchangeable tip. 6) The interchangeable tip of claim 5,wherein the one or more switches are part of the control circuit and theone or more activate one or more functions when actuated. 7) Theinterchangeable tip of claim 6, wherein the one or more functions are amonopolar energy source, a bipolar energy source, forward rotation,reverse rotation, oscillating rotation, reciprocating, or a combinationthereof. 8) The interchangeable tip of claim 5, wherein the controlcircuit includes a capacitor so that the monopolar energy source, thebipolar energy source, or both are prevented from being activatedthrough the stylet if the one or more control buttons, the one or moreswitches, or both are not activated and a short is present in thecontrol circuit. 9) (canceled) 10) The interchangeable tip of claim 1,wherein the one or more control buttons, switches, or both controls anapplication of power to the stylet by turning a power supply on and off.11-20. (canceled) 21) The interchangeable tip of claim 1, wherein theblade circuity transmits to, accepts from, or both the handpiecesignals, power, or both, when the interchangeable tip is connected tothe handpiece. 22) The interchangeable tip of claim 1, wherein the bladecircuitry includes a control circuit, an identification circuit, orboth. 23) The interchangeable tip of claim 22, wherein the controlcircuit includes one or more capacitors. 24) The interchangeable tip ofclaim 22, wherein the identification circuit includes one or morecapacitors. 25) The interchangeable tip of claim 22, wherein the bladecircuitry includes both a control circuit and an identification circuitand both the control circuit and the identification circuit include oneor more capacitors. 26) The interchangeable tip of claim 1, wherein thehandpiece includes a detection circuit. 27) The interchangeable top ofclaim 26, wherein the detection circuit and blade circuit are connectedwhen the interchangeable tip and handpiece are connected. 28) Theinterchangeable tip of claim 27, wherein the blade circuit includes anidentification circuit, a control circuit, or both. 29) Theinterchangeable tip of claim 28, wherein the control circuit includesone or more capacitors. 30) The interchangeable tip of claim 28, whereinthe identification circuit includes one or more capacitors. 31) Theinterchangeable tip claim 29, wherein one or more switches are locatedwithin the control circuit. 32) The interchangeable tip of claim 30,wherein the identification circuit is free of the one or more switches.33) The interchangeable tip of claim 31, wherein the one or more controlbuttons, switches, or both controls an application of power to thestylet by turning a power supply on and off. 34) The interchangeable tipof claim 32, wherein the one or more control buttons, switches, or bothcontrols an application of power to the stylet by turning a power supplyon and off.